Take Time To Honor The Brave Heroes Who Protect Endangered Species From Poachers On World Ranger Day!

Every day, brave men and women work to save the planet’s natural treasures; a special group of them are rangers who selflessly risk their lives to protect endangered species that are at risk of extinction throughout Africa.

“The high levels of poaching and illegal trade in wildlife observed in recent years continues to persist, and the involvement of organized crime groups are recognized,” CITES Secretary-General, Ivonne Higuero, said in a statement, referencing today as World Ranger Day. She further noted that these factors are escalating the challenges and risks faced by rangers. “These organized crime groups often have well developed networks, access to resources, well-armed participants, and use violence or threats of violence to achieve their goals.”

While some progress has been made in protecting endangered species, as well as the rangers and anti-poaching units that protect them, much more needs to be done.

Akashinga means “The Brave Ones,” and is a community-driven conservation program empowering disadvantaged women to restore and manage networks of wilderness areas to stop illegal wildlife crime and protect some of Africa’s most endangered species.

The remarkable members of Akashinga have already arrested a staggering 80 armed poachers in the past year.

Please help support the International Anti-Poaching Foundation on this World Ranger Day and every day so that they can continue their critical life-saving work on behalf of our endangered species.